ShOUT Milwaukee

You’renot getting older, you’re getting better. Just ask Bill Serpe, executive
director of Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE). One of just 16
groups in the entire country committed to promoting quality of life
issues for LGBT seniors, SAGE/Milwaukee is a vibrant organization with
nearly 150 members.

“SAGE is an environment free of
homophobia, sexism and ageism, where everyone’s confidentiality is
assured,” Serpe says. “We hold social events throughout the year, as
well as all major holidays. As a SAGE member, you are never alone.”

SAGE/Milwaukee
presents social activities and cultural events every month, including
movie nights, Thursday afternoon drop-ins and a women-only series.

Events
are open to the public. SAGE also collaborates with Project Q, an LGBT
youth organization, to offer a Thanksgiving dinner and a summer picnic.
“These intergenerational events are a wonderful opportunity for young
people to meet established, successful gay men and women,” Serpe says.
“It’s important to expose young community members to positive LGBT role
models. These connections also strengthen a sense of LGBT history, a
sharing of firsthand accounts of the early struggle for gay rights.”

According
to Serpe, one of the biggest challenges facing elderly LGBT folk is the
entrenched homophobia found in many retirement homes. “A good
percentage of older Americans still react negatively toward open
displays of same-sex affection, so many gay residents feel they must
remained closeted,” he says. “Also, staffs at these facilities are
usually not trained in gay or transgender sensitivity, resulting in
questionable treatment.”

Still, he adds, there is no denying
the improved view society holds toward gays and lesbians compared to a
generation ago. “The changes that I have seen in my lifetime are
amazing,” Serpe says. “I never thought that gay marriage would be
openly discussed, let alone legal in some states, and that LGBT
community centers would be found even in the smallest cities. Things
are getting better!” To learn more about SAGE/Milwaukee, stop in at the offices located at 1845 N. Farwell Ave., or call 224-0517.

Speaking Out

State Sen. Tim Carpenter is
one of 12 openly LGBT appointed or elected officials in Wisconsin.
Representing the Third Senate District, Carpenter currently serves as
the Senate president pro tempore and chairs the Senate Committee on
Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy. He is up for
re-election in 2010.

Did you campaign as a “gay” candidate? I’ve
never considered myself in the closet. Occasionally some right-wing
groups tried to make my orientation an issue, but my constituents like
the fact that I’m a hard worker. I have a 100% Senate roll call voting
record.

Of what legislation are you most proud? That Wisconsin is the only state in the union protecting SeniorCare for prescription drug assistance.

Your thoughts on the marriage amendment recently passed in Wisconsin? I
was surprised that it passed by the margin that it did, but the
Republican push also backfired. Many young people voted to defeat the
measure and ended up electing a Democratic majority in the Senate and
re-elected Gov. Jim Doyle.

Any plans to run for a national office? I’m
very happy where I am. Besides, I could never afford it. I am not
independently wealthy, and I would refuse to accept specialinterest
money.

What do you think of “Don’t ask, don’t tell”? This
is an antiquated concept. The amount of underreported sexual harassment
toward female service members is astounding. In the rank and file, few
care about gays in the military, but all are witness to sexual abuse
against women.

Who do you admire? Jimmy Carternot only the humanitarian that he has proven himself to be, but also the compassion he showed as president.

What is something that people don’t know about you? I
am a huge Brewers fan; I go to dozens of games every year with my dad.
Plus, I have a huge bobble-head collection of over 500.

Who do you favor in November’s presidential race? The three leading Democratic candidates are all very credible. The Republican Party has offered seven dwarfs. It is no contest.

South
Shore Pavilion, 2900 South Shore Drive Celebrate Valentine’s Day at
this women-only event. Dance the night away at the biggest lesbian
event of the year. Call 272-9442 or visit www.lesbianalliance.org.

The
Queer Program Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Channel 96 Milwaukee’s live public
cable access call-in television program by, for and about Milwaukee’s
queer communities. Information at 265-8500.